National Register Listing

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission Rd., San Antonio, TX

The mission was established in 1731 by the Spanish Franciscan order. It was built to convert the native population to Christianity. The mission was secularized in 1824. The mission was restored in the 1930s and is still in use today.

Spanish interest in the occupation of Texas was based on the presence of the French in Louisiana and the native inhabitants of the area. The basis of the mission/presidio system was the extension of controls to hold the area through Christianizing the natives and settlement of the area.

"The center and defense of the western settlements was the presidio of San Antonio de Bexar, founded in 1718. By its side stood the mission of San Antonio de Valero...Within a stretch of twelve miles down the river there were four other missions/ named Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan Capistrano, and San Francisco de la Espada, and located in the order here given" (Bolton, 1970: 5).

After a succession of moves beginning in East Texas, San Juan was finally established in 1731 along the banks of the San Antonio River. The sporadic life in East Texas, move to Central Texas, and final permanency in San Antonio came as a result of the inability of the Spanish to send supplies, equipment and personnel to the outposts.

Missionary activity at San Juan lasted from 1731 (the establishment of the mission) through its complete secularization|on in 1824. Its longevity is evidenced by the fact that today, 240 years after its establishment, it is still a functioning parish.

Mission San Juan Capistrano stands, with its companion missions, as an historical and political symbol of the Spanish colonial empire in Texas and its principal vehicle, the mission system. Additionally, it is an architectural reminder of and memorial to the "accomplishments of Spain's Franciscan missionaries" built because of the success of the padres in their cultural and religious conversion of the Indian population.
Bibliography
Bolton, Herbert E. 1970. Texas in the Middle Eighteenth Century. Texas History Paperbacks TH-8. Austin: University of Texas Press.

Castaneda, Carlos E. 1936. Our Catholic Heritage in Texas. Ill, Austin: Von Boeckman-Jones.

Schuetz, Meredith K. 1968. The History and Archeology of Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Antonio, Texas. 2 vols. State Building Commission Archeological Program. Reports #11 and 12.
Local significance of the building:
Historic - Aboriginal; Architecture; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
Texas random facts
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.